Pencil these dates into your October diary ….
October 3
Nature gets a creative twist at Monster Alley, a family-friendly outdoor experience that uses imaginative monster sculptures, poetry and artwork to highlight the hidden threat of invasive alien plants. Wander through a self-guided Monster Hunt at your own pace, discovering colourful creations by local artists and school learners while learning how invasive species impact our natural environment. Catch all the fun from 9am to 3pm at Springside Nature Reserve, Hillcrest, with educational talks from 9am to 9.30am for those wanting to delve deeper into the topic. All donations go towards supporting the conservation work of the Hillcrest Conservancy. Details: Dawn, 073 341 8211.
TRUE GRIT TRAILS
Whether you’re after a fun morning of fitness, fresh air and good vibes, or ready to test your true grit, True Grit Trails is all about creating memorable trail experiences that challenge, connect and inspire. With routes designed for everyone from casual walkers and first-time trail runners to seasoned athletes, it’s as much about the adventure and community as it is about the finish line. They’ve got two events coming up:
October 18 – True Grit Trails Marathon Challenge – head to Virginia Farm & Trails in Eston for a choice of 5km, 13km, 21km or 42km routes winding through forests, farmland, river crossings and past a spectacular waterfall. Expect plenty of trail challenge, followed by a lively race village, food, refreshments and hot showers.
December 4 and 5 – Upper Highway Trail Marathon – the UHTM returns to Camp Orchards in Hillcrest for its fifth anniversary, with 10km, 21km and 42km routes linking some of the Upper Highway’s beautiful trails and conservancies. This year, the routes are reversed for an added challenge, with proceeds helping support local conservancies. Details: truegrittrails.co.za
October 10
Reconnect with nature, creativity and community at the Earth Artisan Festival, in support of Westville Conservancy. Browse a market filled with locally made and sustainably produced goods, pick up fresh vegetables and breads, and enjoy interactive workshops (there may be a fee for some) and talks celebrating indigenous gardening, nature, wellness, conservation, arts and crafts. On the Saturday the festival kicks off with a fun Coffee Rave (cost is R30) from 6.45am to 7.45am with DJ Martin, followed by the Westville Parkrun at 8am. It’s all happening at The Shed, Westville Country Club. Bookings for the Coffee Rave and workshops are essential. Details: quicket.co.za
October 24
Traditional devotional music gets a contemporary twist when Kolkata siblings Prachi and Raghav Agarwal, known as the Backstage Siblings, bring their ground-breaking Bhajan Jamming movement to Durban. Having left careers in finance to pursue their shared passion for music, the duo has transformed intimate living-room gatherings into immersive, sold-out experiences that bring generations together through familiar melodies, soulful bhajans and the collective energy of singing together. Experience their unique live show at the playTSOGO Globe, Suncoast. Tickets are priced from R350 and available via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores nationwide. Details: webtickets.co.za
October 24
Celebrate hope, courage and community at the PinkDrive’s annual high tea, themed Whispers of Hope. Guests can look forward to a welcome drink, elegant high tea, inspiring guest speakers, entertainment, prizes, networking and a live auction, with a gift bag for each attendee. Dress to the theme in Bows & Pearls and enjoy a beautiful afternoon while supporting PinkDrive’s breast cancer awareness work, with 10 per cent of ticket sales donated to the organisation. Don’t miss it at 11am at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban in Umhlanga. Tickets are R695 each. Details: quicket.co.za
October 18
Durban is getting ready for a high-energy morning as the Boxer Super Run Durban takes over Snell Parade and Blue Lagoon Park, starting from 7am. The 5km event has sold out, with 7,000 runners expected to hit the road, from serious athletes and elite runners to social runners and first-timers. While entries may be closed, spectators are encouraged to head down, line the route and cheer on the runners. The Elite Women start at 9.45am and Elite Men at 10am, there’s plenty of opportunity to get behind the runners and soak up the race-day atmosphere.
